Crete: Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Family Winery & Ancient Olive Tree

Summary

Crete flavors old olive trees family winery tastings local laughter

You’ll taste fresh-pressed olive oil straight from the mill in Crete, wander beneath an ancient olive tree older than most countries, sip wines at a family-run winery with real local stories, and share a relaxed lunch under grapevines. It’s less about rushing around and more about slowing down to notice what makes this island feel so alive.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road to wind so tightly through those hills outside Chania — one second we’re rolling past dry stone walls and goats, next minute it’s all green slopes and silvery olive leaves flickering in the sun. Our guide, Eleni, kept up this gentle commentary as we bumped along in the minivan (“that’s thyme you smell — it grows everywhere here”). I caught whiffs of something earthy and sweet through the open window. First stop was an olive oil mill; I still hear that low hum of machinery mixing with someone’s radio in the back. The air inside was sharp and grassy, almost peppery. We dipped bread right there by the tanks — warm from baking, a little chewy — into fresh oil. I probably ate more than my share.

Then came what Eleni called “the old lady” — turns out she meant the oldest olive tree in the world, which honestly looks like it could tell stories if you listened long enough. There were a couple of old men playing cards under its shade (one winked at us when we tried to guess its age). It felt quiet there in a way that made me want to sit down for a while, but soon we were off again for our Crete wine tour at a family winery tucked between rows of vines. The owners greeted us with this easy warmth — no rush, just pouring little glasses and telling us how their grandfather started everything after the war. I tried to pronounce one of their whites; Li laughed when I butchered it (“don’t worry,” she said, “even Greeks get it wrong”).

The wine tasting itself was relaxed — not stuffy at all. We sat outside under some sort of grapevine trellis (leaves rustling overhead), sampling reds and whites while plates of cheese and olives kept appearing. Someone’s toddler wandered over from another table and offered me a piece of bread soaked in oil; I took it, because how could you say no? Lunch was simple but perfect: tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes, more wine if you wanted it, stories about harvests gone wrong or right. By then I’d stopped checking my phone for the time.

On the drive back toward Chania, everyone got quiet for a bit — maybe sleepy from wine or just watching those endless olive groves slide by. There’s something about sharing food and stories with strangers that sticks with you longer than any photo does. I still think about that view from under the old tree sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit winery, olive mill, and olive tree

• Visit family winery
• Explore olive mill and surroundings
• See the oldest olive tree
• Tour magnificent family winery

Top questions

How long is the Crete wine & olive oil tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed but includes multiple stops: an olive mill, ancient olive tree visit, winery tasting, and lunch.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minibus or minivan is included in your booking.

Can children join the Crete wine tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult. Wine tasting is only for guests 18+; kids get water or orange juice instead.

What food is served during lunch?

A light meal is provided at the end of the tour along with wine and food tastings featuring local products.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Are allergies or dietary preferences accommodated?

Please inform the company in advance if you have allergies or food preferences so they can adjust accordingly.

What happens if weather is bad on tour day?

If weather conditions are unfavorable or participation is low, tours may be changed or canceled with full refund provided.

Do I need to book far ahead?

Reservations must be made at least 12 hours before departure for this Crete wine & olive oil tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned minibus or minivan from nearby locations in Crete, guided visits to an olive oil factory and family winery with tastings of both products plus bottled water throughout. You’ll sample fresh-pressed oils with bread at the mill before heading to see the world’s oldest olive tree—then finish up with a light meal paired with local wines before returning home relaxed (and maybe pleasantly full).